2017 Renault Megane RS

With the new Megane RS 2017 Renault stirs in the battle with the VW Golf. This is a popular model, because it’s relatively small, agile and light, but does have a decent amount of power in the throttle. Renault is looking to expand its range of models with the new 2017 Renault Megane RS and since their car park didn’t consist of this type of crossover the hatchback was a logical choice. Their other pièce de résistance is the Renault Alaskan, a 1000 kg pick-up, aimed at the leisure client instead of profiling it as a commercial vehicle.

Exterior design

The 2017 Renault Megane RS has not been revealed yet, but this is likely to happen at the Paris Motor Show in October this year. What we know of the RS’ appearance is that it will probably look a lot like the recently presented 2016 Megane.

For the face of the car that will mean a bigger grille with more chrome details. The comma-shaped headlights are also likely to be taken over on the 2017 RS. The lower air vents are likely to be even larger than the 2016 Megane’s, since more air might be needed for cooling the new engine. The hood of the car will have the same three creases as the 2016 Megane.

Moving on to the side, not much will be different here either. The tires are likely to be larger, there will probably be a choice of 19 or 20 inch tires. The rims will be a basic chrome look or an agressive black appearance. The deep crease on the lower part of the side will be taken over, but won’t look completely the same.

The back of the car will feature the remarkable braking lights with the red outline. The exhaust might be a round one on the left side of the automobile, or two more square-shaped exhausts on either side of the vehicle. Noting that the latter results in a more sporty and unique look, this will most likely be the choice for the RS 2017.

We are very curious to know what the end result of the Megane RS will look like. The moment we receive new information such as spy shots, we will update this review immediately.

Interior design

What the interior design for the 2017 Renault Megane RS will look like is an easy guess. The Megane Sports generation has a racing edge in the design, so expect supercomfortable racing car-like seats and flashy digital gauges and centre console. The 8.7-inch full-colour (!) TFT-screen from the 2016 Megane will be inevitable to return, if not on the standard trim, then definitely on the premium trims.

Instead of rubber encased pedals we expect steel or chrome, just like the ones you find in a racing car. The steering wheel will be a sharper and edgier version of the one that’s found in the 2016 Megane.

Leather seats will be optional, as are more sporty looking interior trims.

Engine specs

On to the most remarkable part of the car, the engine. What is clear at the moment, is that the 2.0-liter engine of the current RS will be terminated. Renault has stated that engine performance alone was not enough to keep this engine. They are of the opinion that in terms of CO2 emission and fuel efficiency this engine falls short for further development.

So for the new RS we expect to find a smaller engine, there’s a chance the trubocharged 1.6-liter engine found in the Renault Clio RS will be put in the Megane RS as well. We are not sure if Renault plans on upgrading this engine, for example by making it fuel-injected. If not, the output of the 2017 Renault Megane RS will be 217 horsepower, just like the Clio’s. Top speed is then going to be around 146 mph (234 kph), or more if we’re lucky.

No more manual transmission, the 2017 Renault Megane RS will only be available with a dual-clutch automatic unit controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddles. According to Renault, this is because automatic transmissions are more popular globally, especially in key markets such as Australia.

Tech specs

Technology features in the 2017 Renault Megane RS will most likely be the same as in the 2016 Megane and the Renault Clio RS. Possibly some new features will be added as well. For now, we are sure of the following standard options: Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Electronic Stability Control, Automatic dusk sensing headlights, one touch door locking, Remote central locking with Renault Smart Key Card, Gear shift indicator, Automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor, Cruise Control.

Optional features consist of: rear parking sensors, rear view camera, Hill Start Assist. Also expect some saftey features such as pedestrian recognition. Renault has fallen a little short in these elements compared to other cars in its segment and has been working to get this all up to date.

Pricing, unveiling and sale date

The price of the 2017 Renault Megane RS is not yet known. Expected is it will follow the Clio RS’ price and the standard 2016 Megane’s, so that will be around €40,000 or $35,000 AUD. The car will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show 2016, in October. The production end result will be revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March next year. The car will go on sale in the summer of 2017 on selected markets.

2017 Renault Megane RS was last modified: January 4th, 2017 by Gabriel Forest

Leave a Reply

I've started to write for Cars2018.com in January 2016. I've been a car fan since my younger years. Grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to the west coast after my graduation. My weak spot is electric vehicles and upcoming green alternatives like hydrogen vehicles. My favorite classic cars are the 1967 Shelby GT500 and the 1983 Chevrolet El Camino. Any questions or suggestions, contact me: gabriel@cars2018.comPlease support our website by sharing our articles below, thanks in advance!